The short answer: the Mediterranean for spring sightseeing; the Norwegian fjords for waterfalls at their fullest; the Baltic for fresh spring green; and Alaska at the start of its season.
Where to go in May
| Destination | Weather | Why this month | Where from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | About 18–24 °C | Pleasant for walking and sightseeing, fewer people than in summer | Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Marseille |
| Norwegian fjords | About 8–15 °C | Waterfalls at their fullest from snowmelt, snow still on the peaks, fewer people | Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hamburg |
| Baltic | About 10–16 °C | Fresh spring green and quieter old towns | Northern European ports |
| Alaska | About 8–15 °C | Fewer people, snow still on the mountains | Seattle or Vancouver |
| Canary Islands | About 23–28 °C | Steady summer weather, fewer cruise passengers | Tenerife or Gran Canaria |
Temperatures are typical daytime values and vary from year to year. Ships and routes are based on cruise line announcements for 2026–2027 and may change; always check the specific sailing.
What is special about May
- Many long weekends. In 2027 Ascension Day falls on 6 May and Whit Monday on 17 May — good moments for a short cruise.
- Waterfalls at their best. In the fjords the snowmelt makes May the month of the most spectacular waterfalls.
- The calm before summer. Many ships are noticeably quieter than in July and August.
- A cool deck. In the north the evenings are still chilly: bring a warm layer for the sail-aways.
No flight needed
From Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Hamburg ships sail to the Norwegian fjords from May, usually for 7 nights.
Booking a May cruise with points
Every way of paying in the club also works for sailings in May that are available in the club. You choose one per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing), roughly 17% below the listed price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the cruise price; they do not add up. To pay up to 100% with points, the booking must be made at least 270 days before departure — for a cruise in May, that is roughly August or early September of the year before — and you need to have accumulated enough points by then.
How booking with points works →
← April · All months · June →
Common questions
Is May a good month for the Norwegian fjords?
Yes. The waterfalls are at their fullest and there is still snow on the peaks. It is cool, about 8–15 °C, and some mountain roads and excursions may not be open yet.
Is the Mediterranean busy in May?
Less than in summer. May is one of the most pleasant months there: about 18–24 °C and comfortable for sightseeing.
When does the Alaska season start?
In May. It runs until September, with most sailings from Seattle or Vancouver.
When do I need to book a cruise in May to pay fully with points?
To pay up to 100% with points, book at least 270 days before departure — for in May that is roughly August or early September of the year before — and have enough points accumulated by then. Points can also cover up to half of the cruise price.
Weather figures are typical values; ships, routes and dates are based on cruise line announcements for 2026–2027 and may change. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.